Arc Eye Hawkfish - Paracirrhites arcatus
The Arc Eye Hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) is a hardy perch-loving reef fish recognized for the bright ring surrounding its eye and its alert, watchful behavior. Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, this species inhabits reef slopes and coral-rich environments where it spends much of its time resting on rockwork and coral branches while scanning for small prey.
Unlike many constantly swimming fish, Arc Eye Hawkfish prefer to hop from perch to perch using their strong pectoral fins. Their bold personality, durability, and active behavior make them a popular addition to both reef and fish-only aquariums.
Care Requirements
Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Hardy and adaptable to aquarium life
Minimum Tank Size: 40+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Reef or fish-only aquarium with stable rockwork, perching areas, and moderate flow
Arc Eye Hawkfish appreciate aquariums with elevated rock structures and ledges where they can perch comfortably throughout the day. Secure aquascaping is important, as they are active and curious fish.
Diet & Nutrition
Arc Eye Hawkfish are carnivorous predators that feed on small crustaceans and meaty foods in the wild.
Diet: Carnivore – Requires meaty marine foods
Recommended Foods:
- Mysis shrimp
- Chopped krill and seafood
- Brine shrimp
- High-quality carnivore pellets
- Frozen marine blends
They are generally aggressive feeders and adapt quickly to prepared foods in captivity.
Lifespan & Growth Rate
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Growth Rate: Moderate
With stable water quality and regular feedings, Arc Eye Hawkfish can remain hardy, active aquarium inhabitants for many years.
Temperament & Compatibility
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive – Bold and territorial toward smaller crustaceans
Reef Safe? Mostly Yes (with caution)
Arc Eye Hawkfish are generally safe with corals but may prey on small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, and other small mobile invertebrates.
They typically coexist well with similarly sized fish but may become territorial toward other hawkfish or small perch-like species in smaller aquariums.
Common Challenges & Considerations
Shrimp Predation:
Small ornamental shrimp may eventually be viewed as food, especially cleaner shrimp juveniles or nano shrimp species.
Perching Behavior:
This species prefers elevated resting areas and may spend much of the day stationary while observing its surroundings.
Jumping Risk:
Arc Eye Hawkfish are capable jumpers, particularly when startled. A secure lid is strongly recommended.
Territorial Tendencies:
May become aggressive toward similarly shaped fish or bottom-perching species in confined aquariums.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 75–77°F
dKH (Alkalinity): 8–9
pH: 8.1–8.3
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
Stable water chemistry, consistent feeding, and secure rockwork help support long-term health and natural behavior in Arc Eye Hawkfish.
Original: $34.39
-65%$34.39
$12.04
Description
The Arc Eye Hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) is a hardy perch-loving reef fish recognized for the bright ring surrounding its eye and its alert, watchful behavior. Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, this species inhabits reef slopes and coral-rich environments where it spends much of its time resting on rockwork and coral branches while scanning for small prey.
Unlike many constantly swimming fish, Arc Eye Hawkfish prefer to hop from perch to perch using their strong pectoral fins. Their bold personality, durability, and active behavior make them a popular addition to both reef and fish-only aquariums.
Care Requirements
Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Hardy and adaptable to aquarium life
Minimum Tank Size: 40+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Reef or fish-only aquarium with stable rockwork, perching areas, and moderate flow
Arc Eye Hawkfish appreciate aquariums with elevated rock structures and ledges where they can perch comfortably throughout the day. Secure aquascaping is important, as they are active and curious fish.
Diet & Nutrition
Arc Eye Hawkfish are carnivorous predators that feed on small crustaceans and meaty foods in the wild.
Diet: Carnivore – Requires meaty marine foods
Recommended Foods:
- Mysis shrimp
- Chopped krill and seafood
- Brine shrimp
- High-quality carnivore pellets
- Frozen marine blends
They are generally aggressive feeders and adapt quickly to prepared foods in captivity.
Lifespan & Growth Rate
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Growth Rate: Moderate
With stable water quality and regular feedings, Arc Eye Hawkfish can remain hardy, active aquarium inhabitants for many years.
Temperament & Compatibility
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive – Bold and territorial toward smaller crustaceans
Reef Safe? Mostly Yes (with caution)
Arc Eye Hawkfish are generally safe with corals but may prey on small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, and other small mobile invertebrates.
They typically coexist well with similarly sized fish but may become territorial toward other hawkfish or small perch-like species in smaller aquariums.
Common Challenges & Considerations
Shrimp Predation:
Small ornamental shrimp may eventually be viewed as food, especially cleaner shrimp juveniles or nano shrimp species.
Perching Behavior:
This species prefers elevated resting areas and may spend much of the day stationary while observing its surroundings.
Jumping Risk:
Arc Eye Hawkfish are capable jumpers, particularly when startled. A secure lid is strongly recommended.
Territorial Tendencies:
May become aggressive toward similarly shaped fish or bottom-perching species in confined aquariums.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 75–77°F
dKH (Alkalinity): 8–9
pH: 8.1–8.3
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
Stable water chemistry, consistent feeding, and secure rockwork help support long-term health and natural behavior in Arc Eye Hawkfish.
